Add value, pleasure to your home
Polls continually show millions of American households have spent billions of dollars on professional landscaping and lawn care services, revealing that homeowners recognize the value of caring for their yards.
In addition, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that builders plant a minimum of two trees per lot, and six to eight trees are not uncommon on larger lots. Also, surveys show that builders are conserving more mature trees since established foliage adds value to homes.
To create your master plan, walk around your property. Note how your house sits on the lot, where your garage, tool shed, deck, pool or other structures are, and what plants you have now. Think about what you would like to have a year from now. Is it more trees for shade, more grass to play in, a flower or herb garden for cutting, or just reworking an area that takes too much time to maintain? Once you know what you want, start thinking about the plants you will need.
A healthy, lush and vibrant lawn or garden starts with your choice of plants. Choose trees, flowers, shrubs and other plants that grow well in your area. This may sound limiting, but by choosing plants that are native or tested to be tolerant of the weather in your area, your yard will require less work and give you better results. Visit your local garden center, arboretum or botanical garden for advice and ideas. Look for sections that are like your yard, and choose plants that grow well there whether you want brilliant flowers, ground cover, shrubbery or herbs.
It is very important to monitor the cycles of light and moisture in your yard. Make note of where the sun is at different times of the day and record how much water is available naturally. Watch for areas of daylong shade, and do not put sun-loving plants in those spots. Likewise, don’t put shade plants where they get full sun all day. In addition, take a sample of the dirt in your yard to a county extension agent or garden center, and ask them to determine the pH and chemical composition of your soil. Your soil’s characteristics will have a significant impact on what you will be able to grow successfully.
Shape, Texture are Key
Two key elements of a beautiful garden are shape and texture. Think of your landscape as a photograph or painting framed by plants. Larger trees and plants belong in the back of your yard, medium-sized shrubs and flowers go in the middle of the visual field and short, smaller plants go in the front.
To give shape to your garden, select a variety of plants with varying shapes and sizes. Also, keep architectural details in mind when you choose plants. Rough, textured plants will highlight stucco walls, but a picket fence will look better with soft flowers and gentle vines. Don’t forget to look at your yard from all angles, including noticing what you’ll see when you look through the windows from inside your home.
By taking the time to think through what you want your yard to look like, and noting what your limitations are, you’ll have greater success with your efforts. In addition, you’ll spend more time enjoying your yard instead of working in it, and you’ll see an added benefit when you sell your home since a well-planned landscape adds value to any piece of property.
Premier Home Show April 21-23
For some truly inspirational and exciting ideas for your yard and garden, join us at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center April 21-23 when the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) presents the seventh annual Premier Home Show. Professional landscapers will be showcasing an expansive landscape display featuring new and innovative design concepts and materials. Landscaping experts will be on hand to answer your questions and assist you at whatever level you require.
Another great feature of this year’s Premier Home Show is a live plant sale by a local greenhouse, with experts on hand to advise you on the right kinds of plants for your particular soil and light conditions. This exciting event, brought to you by sponsors Country Homes Power Equipment & Marquis Spas, Comcast, Remodel Spokane, Washington Trust Bank Home Loan Center, and Global Credit Union, offers you the opportunity to meet industry experts and see products and services for your home and outdoor living, all under one roof, with plenty of free parking. For additional show information, please contact SHBA at (509) 532-4990, or log onto www.shba.com. Discount admission coupons for the Premier Home Show are available online.